Some govt agencies to receive over R7.7bn from UIF to create jobs - Maruping

JOHANNESBURG - UIF Commissioner Teboho Maruping said that several government agencies would receive over R7.7 billion from the fund to implement interventions that will create employment opportunities.

Maruping was speaking during an Employment and Labour ministerial meeting with UIF management in Pretoria on Tuesday.

This as 32.9% of the population grapples with an unemployment crisis that has the country on a chokehold.

He said that this was part of its partnership with government organisations to create more than 234,000 job opportunities. 

These interventions are set to support small, medium and micro enterprises over the next three years. 

UIF spokesperson Trevor Hattingh:

"The UIF will, apart from working with private businesses through the Labour Activation Programme, also leverage on existing government programmes and interventions to reduce unemployment. Many of these government institutions will match the UIF's funding contribution and invest their own equal amount to bolster the existing programmes."

The Labour Ministry welcomed the interventions, additionally calling for tight supervision in ensuring that money lands with organisations that have the capabilities to deliver on agreements.

Hattingh said the fund would do its diligence.

"The finer details of the partnerships will be disclosed during official launches that are expected to take place in the current financial year. The UIF will ensure that it undertakes a probity exercise to assess the viability of these interventions before finalising any agreements for implementation.